2025 Fall Conference
November 12-14, 2025
Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE – Details are being added often!

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 (pre-conference):

• Pre-conference sessions, 3-5 pm:
  • Pivot! Your First Years in School PR  – designed for those who have been in school communications/PR under 4 years, but all are welcome! Specific topics covered will be shared in the coming weeks.
  • Will Your District's Website Meet ADA Requirements by April 2026? If You Are Not Sure, This Session is for You!

    The deadline to ensure all public school websites are in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is fast approaching—April 2026. This interactive workshop is designed to help school districts prepare effectively and confidently for this mandate. Participants will explore a variety of tools and resources that support website accessibility.

    In addition to learning about compliance essentials, attendees will engage in collaborative discussions and brainstorming sessions focused on common accessibility challenges—such as PDFs, videos, and third-party content. Best practices will be reviewed, and participants will leave with actionable steps and a clearer understanding of how to move forward in making their websites fully accessible to all users.
    Presenters: Lori Blakeslee, Director of Communications & Public Relations, Green Bay Area Public School District; Justine Braun, Communications Specialist, GBAPS; Mary Ellen Rowe, Education Sales Consultant, Finalsite

• Welcome Reception, currently sponsored by Captivate Media + Consulting and Target River (heavy appetizers, desserts and beverages)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13 (full day):

• General Session
• TENTATIVE Breakout sessions: Choose three hour-long sessions throughout the day - four topics to choose from for each session – We are still confirming presenters
  • Protecting Your Brand: Reputation Management in Public Schools
  • Policy Shifts/Legal Landscape
  • My Big, Fat District Video: A Guide to Video Creation (Big & Small) for Every Budget
  • Partners in Comms: A Seat at the Table
  • ABCD's of Marketing: Advertising, Branding, Communication, & Design for School Districts
  • Passing the Friday Night Fish Fry Test: Practical Referendum Communication to Reach all Voters
  • Social Media Success
  • One Person PR Shop
  • Will Your District's Website Meet ADA Requirements by April 2026? If You Are Not Sure, This Session is for You!
  • Media Relations and/or Public Speaking
  • AI
  • Crisis Communications
• Awards luncheon, sponsored by J.H. Findorff
• Breakfast, lunch and AM/PM snacks included throughout the day
• Evening networking reception, sponsored by Finalsite and CMS4Schools

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 (half day):

• Breakfast & Like District Networking
• Annual Meeting
• General Session
• The One with the Roundtables: Visit three 30-minute roundtable sessions
• Closing Remarks and Raffle Prizes